Monkey mayhem: 18 still at large—Are they in your backyard?
By
Aubrey Razon
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A small town is on edge after a group of clever monkeys made a daring escape. These agile primates are still on the loose, turning the area into their playground.
Could they be hiding in your backyard?
It all began with a simple oversight—an employee at the research facility didn't secure a door properly while tending to the monkeys.
Seizing the opportunity, the macaques made their grand exit on Wednesday, prompting a search that has captured the community's attention.
As of the latest reports, 25 of the original 43 escapees have been rounded up by the dedicated team at Alpha Genesis.
The recovered monkeys were given a clean bill of health by veterinarians who conducted comprehensive wellness exams, much to the relief of the facility and animal health experts.
However, the story is far from over.
Eighteen of these clever creatures are still enjoying their taste of freedom, with sightings placing them along the fence line of the research center.
They've been spotted bedding down in the trees, a natural behavior for these arboreal animals, as night falls.
The search team, led by Alpha Genesis, is working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of all the monkeys.
They've asked the public to refrain from using drones in the area to avoid interfering with the rescue efforts.
CEO Greg Westergaard has committed to continuing the search throughout the weekend and beyond if necessary.
While the monkeys are described as being the size of a domestic cat and weighing about 7 pounds, their escape has caused quite a stir.
Alpha Genesis, along with federal health officials and local police, have assured the public that these young macaques pose no risk to human health and are not carriers of diseases.
Nevertheless, the authorities are advising people to keep their distance from the furry fugitives.
This isn't the first time Alpha Genesis has dealt with an escape; in 2022, 11 monkeys took advantage of a broken chain-link fence to make a break for it.
This incident, like the current one, was handled by the research center with assistance from the US Department of Agriculture.
If you're in the Yemassee area, keep an eye out for any unusual monkey business.
Should you spot one of the macaques, do not approach or attempt to capture them. Instead, contact the local authorities immediately.
These are wild animals, and while they may look cute and harmless, they are best handled by professionals.
As we follow the developments of this curious case, let's remember the importance of responsible animal care and the need for secure facilities that protect both the animals and the community.
Here's to hoping for a swift and safe resolution to the great monkey escape of Yemassee.
Have you ever experienced wildlife on the loose in your neighborhood? How did the community come together to resolve the situation? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below.
Could they be hiding in your backyard?
It all began with a simple oversight—an employee at the research facility didn't secure a door properly while tending to the monkeys.
Seizing the opportunity, the macaques made their grand exit on Wednesday, prompting a search that has captured the community's attention.
As of the latest reports, 25 of the original 43 escapees have been rounded up by the dedicated team at Alpha Genesis.
The recovered monkeys were given a clean bill of health by veterinarians who conducted comprehensive wellness exams, much to the relief of the facility and animal health experts.
However, the story is far from over.
Eighteen of these clever creatures are still enjoying their taste of freedom, with sightings placing them along the fence line of the research center.
They've been spotted bedding down in the trees, a natural behavior for these arboreal animals, as night falls.
The search team, led by Alpha Genesis, is working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of all the monkeys.
They've asked the public to refrain from using drones in the area to avoid interfering with the rescue efforts.
CEO Greg Westergaard has committed to continuing the search throughout the weekend and beyond if necessary.
While the monkeys are described as being the size of a domestic cat and weighing about 7 pounds, their escape has caused quite a stir.
Alpha Genesis, along with federal health officials and local police, have assured the public that these young macaques pose no risk to human health and are not carriers of diseases.
Nevertheless, the authorities are advising people to keep their distance from the furry fugitives.
This isn't the first time Alpha Genesis has dealt with an escape; in 2022, 11 monkeys took advantage of a broken chain-link fence to make a break for it.
This incident, like the current one, was handled by the research center with assistance from the US Department of Agriculture.
If you're in the Yemassee area, keep an eye out for any unusual monkey business.
Should you spot one of the macaques, do not approach or attempt to capture them. Instead, contact the local authorities immediately.
These are wild animals, and while they may look cute and harmless, they are best handled by professionals.
As we follow the developments of this curious case, let's remember the importance of responsible animal care and the need for secure facilities that protect both the animals and the community.
Here's to hoping for a swift and safe resolution to the great monkey escape of Yemassee.
Key Takeaways
- Rhesus macaques escaped from the Alpha Genesis medical research facility in Yemassee, South Carolina.
- Veterinarians have examined the captured monkeys and found them to be in good health.
- Efforts to recover the remaining 18 monkeys continue, with the public advised not to use drones in the vicinity.
- The monkeys are females, weigh about 7 pounds each, and are non-threatening to public health, but people are urged to avoid interacting with them.